Voting-machine



No. 608,922. Patented Aug. 9, I898.

I A. SNOECK.

VOTING MACHINE.

(Application filed Aug. 1, 1805) 6 SheetsSheet I.

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No. 608,922. Patented Aug. 9, I898. A. SNOECK.

VOTING MACHINE.

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Patented Aug. 9, I898.

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No. 608,922. Patented Aug. 9, I898.- A. SNOECK.

VOTING 'IA'CHINE.

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No. 608,922. Patented Aug. 9, I898.

A. SNOECK. I

VOTING MACHINE.

(Agplication filed Aug. 1, 1895.) (No Model.)

6 Shuts-Sheet 5.

No. 608,922. -Patented Aug. 9, I898.

A. SNOECK.

VOTING MACHINE.

(,Applicsfion Med Aug. 1. 1895.) U40 Model.) 6 Sheeta$heet 8.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT SNOEUK, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT.

VOTING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 608,922, dated August 9, 1898.

Application filed A t 1, 1895.

To all whom it may concern:

%c it known that I, ALBERT SNoEcK, a subject of the King of Belgium, but at present residing at Hartford, in the county of Hart ford, State of Connecticut, have invented an Improvement in Voting-Machines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings,is a specification, like letters and figures on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to voting-machines wherein each candidate to be voted for is represented by a key which when operated registers one vote for that candidate, said machine also containing one or more straightticket keys operable independent of the indi vidual registering or voting keys for the purpose of casting by a single movement one vote for all the candidates of a certain party, the machine further containing a single independent-voting device to receive a single ticket or ballot upon which are written the names of all these candidates voted for whose names do not appear adjacent the regular keys of the machine.

One object of this my present invention is to provide suitable interlocking mechanism to prevent simultaneous operation of any two or more keys in the entire machine.

I preferably employ, and this present invention comprehends, a single locking device or mechanism suitably connected with all the keys of the machine and in such manner that it will operate to prevent simultaneous operation of any two or more keys irrespective of the particular grouping or division of the keys into series to meet the requirements of different candidates or sets of candidates for the same or different offices.

I employ a single iinlependent-voting device, as above stated, and to enable those persons who are counting the votes to know whether or not the voter casting an independent ballot containing independent or irregular names has registered votes for more than the prescribed number of candidates I provide what I term a nuinberindicating device, which is operated whenever any of the individual-keys of the machine are operated, it being moved one step by the operation of each individual-key, and which when the independent-voting device is subsequently operated Serial No. 557,807. (No model.)

registers upon the independent vote or ballot the number of votes previously registered to indicate how many the voter may yet vote for on the independent ballot or, vice versa, may register upon the independent ballot the number of votes which may be caston said independent ballot.

My invention further comprehends a visual indicating device for and preferably arranged adjacent each registering-key, which upon such proper operation of the key as records a vote will be changed to such position or condition as shall indicate to the voter that the vote represented by it has been registered.

In the drawings, Figure 1, in front elevation, with a part of the mechanism exposed, shows one form of votingn1achine embodying my invention; Fig. 2, a rear elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a top or plan view of the machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4, an enlarged vertical section on the dotted line a; 0;, Fig. 2, showing a portion only of the machine because of the lack of space on the drawings; Fig. 5, an enlarged sectional detail on the dotted line 00 00', Fig. 2, showing the independent-voting mechanism; Fig. 6, a top or plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 5, the same section-linc:c 02 being also indicated in Fig. 6; Fig. 7, a perspective detail show ing two of the registering-keys 5 Fig. 8, a vertical section through one of the grouping devices H, the section being taken on the dotted line 50 :0 Fig. 1; Figs. 9 to 14:, details of parts thereof to be described; Fig. 15, a perspective detail showing two of the straightticket keys I), and Fig. 16 a detail to be referred to.

The machine which I have herein shown as embodying my invention and which I have selected to illustrate said invention is constructed in most respects in a manner similar to the construction of the machine shown and described in another application filed by me March 7, 1895, Serial No. 5-iO,Sat9, to which reference may be had.

In so far as possible I shall in the following description designate the various parts by letters and figures like those designating similar or corresponding parts in my said application, this invention being an improvement upon that shown and described in my said application.

Referring to the drawings, the frame of the machine comprises suitable uprights a a, joined at proper intervals by the horizontal members a, shown as and preferably formed from sheet metal bent into angular form.

The individrial-registering keys are shown at Z) 1), arranged, preferably, in vertical series, each series being supposed to represent the candidates of as many different parties. These registering-keys b are suitably mounted to slide in the frame, and (see Fig. 4) the shanks b of the several keys at or near their inner ends are provided with suitable shoulders b which cooperate, respectively, with suitable bell-crank or other levers c pivoted upon horizontal shafts c and having their rearwardly-extended arms 0 adapted to engage the bars b and through the same move the actuators c of the counters c of any desired construction, of which there is one for each registering-key of the machine, excepting the independent-voting device or key.

Referring to Fig. 2, showing the rear side of the machine, it will be seen that each lever e ismounted upon a long hub extending for the entire width of its vertical series, as shown, and I have provided the hubs of the several keys. with additional arms 0 upon which rest the vertically-sliding rods or bar-s 0', one for .each arm 0 the said verticallysliding bars moving in suitable guides 0 on the frame and pointed or beveled at their upper ends to enter and separate the several interlocking devices 0 shown as arranged in a single series for the entire machine and also shown as pivoted at 0 and depending one in contact with another and with their free ends beveled or pointed, as shown.

v:In the normal condition of the machine any one of the individual-keys may be pushed inwardly and through its bell-crank lever c raise its vertically-sliding rod 0, causing the upper end of the latter to enter between two of the interlocking devices and separate the same, and thereby move in opposite directions of the operation of any single key no other key can be operated, it being impossible to raise any other vertically-sliding bar or separator, for any other bar or separator when raised will contact with an interlocking de- -vice above it, which cannot be moved to one" side because of the previous raising of another bar or. separator.

Inasmuch as in the machine shown I have ata time it is impossible to operate simultaneously any two or more registering-keys,

whether in the same or different series.

In the present instance of my invention I haverecessed the several separators c at the rear side of the machine and, as indicated at c, Fig. 4, to receive the horizontal gravitybar 0 provided at its ends with inwardlyextended arms o fast upon a horizontal shaft 0 journaled in suitable bearings in the frame. \Vhenever any separator is raised, it also raises this gravity-bar 0 the weight of which when the key is released acts to depress or return the said separator to its normal position, this one gravity-bar serving to return to their normal positions after operation all of the separators and keys of the machine.

, The counters care so constructed that when their actuators c are elevated they will remain in their elevated positions until positively returned by operation of the resetting mechanism, so that should any single key be operated a succession of times only one the first-operation will be registered by the counter.

The resetting-shaft h is-shown in Figs. 2 and 4 journaled in suitable bearings in the frame and is provided above the several series of counters c with rearwardly-extended arms h, to which are jointed the upper ends of the resetting bars or rods'h which depend, respectively, back of the counter-actuators in the series beneath and are provided with pins 7%", one pin for and above each counteractuator, so that when the resetting-shaft is rotated the bars it will be depressed, causing their several pins 7L29 to act upon the several counter-actuators and return the latter to their lowermost or normal positions ready for the next voter.

Referring now to Fig. 7, I have provided the shank of each registering-key with a beveled side lug b, which engages one of the side walls of a notch in the horizontally-sliding interlocking bar or member d,there being one such bar 61 for each horizontal row or series of registering-keys.

Whenever any single registering key is pushed inwardly to register a vote, its inclined lug Z) acts to throw the horizontally-shding bar d for that horizontal series to the left, Fig. 1, said bar being returned again to its normal position to the right by a suitable spring 12 At the extreme left-hand end of the machine I have provided a series of studs m, upon which I may pivot the locking-levers m, weighted at one (herein their right-hand) end and adapted to drop upon the upper edges of the horizontal sliding bars d beneath and to engage notches m therein. The left-hand ends of these locking-levers m are notched, as at m for engagementby suitable lugs m on the leversm pivoted at m and weighted at 'm to cause them to normally assume their positions shown in all but the lowermost le- Ver in Fig. 1.

When any of the horizontal sliding bars d is moved to the left by operation of any key in its horizontal series, the end of said bar strikes the lower end of the lever m in line with it and throws the upper end m of said lever to the right over and into the notch in the end m of the lever m, permitting the opposite weighted end of said lever m to drop upon the upper edge of the horizontal slidebar d to engage the notch m therein and prevent a second movement of the said slidebar in the same direction, thus preventing successive operation of the keys in any single horizontal series, simultaneous operation of the said keys being prevented by the interlocking devices referred to.

The resetting-shaft h is provided with a leverm, depending from which is a rod or bar mhextending back of the several weighted levers m, and provided beneath each one with a pin m so that when the said resetting-shaft is moved to reset the machine the several pins M will engage the levers m at their under sides and lift such as are in engagement with and locking against movement the slidebars (2 out of engagement with said slide-bars and permit-ting the weighted levers m to drop back into their positions shown in Fig. 1 to hold the said levers m in their elevated positions until again released by another operation of their respective slidebars.

To group any desired number of thekeys to enable any voter to vote for a plurality of candidates for the same officeas, for instance, a plurality of candidates for the office of schoolboard-I have provided the grouping devices H. II much like the grouping devices shown in my previous application referred to, and which are herein constructed as follows, it being necessary to describe but a single device, it being understood that the others are similar: Upon the frame is provided a projecting stud 76, Fig. 8, upon which is loosely mounted the hub h of a ratchet-toothed wheel 71?, the said hub at its inner end having fast upon it a pulley h about which is passed a cord 7L to which is suspended a weight h. The ratchet-wheel 7L2 receives a step-by-step movement from a pawl 7L pivoted at 7L5 upon the actuator it, having its hub 7L7 loosely journaled about the hub h of the said ratchet-wheel, a spring 7L9 holding the said pawl normally in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet. wheel 71 is disk 7L provided with a hole for the reception of a screw 9, which latter is adapted to enter any one of the circular series of threaded holes 10 (see Fig. 10) in the outer face of the ratchet-wheel 7L2, said disk It being shown as provided with a peripheral lug 7i, which at a predetermined time contacts with a suitable stop h on the frame to prevent further rotation of the ratchetwheel.

The actuator 7L6, to which the pawl is attached, has pivoted to it at 7L8 the group-actuating bar 6, which depends back of the several horizontal slide-bars (Z, said bar 0 being provided with suitable shoulders for engagement of the bell-crank levers f, pivoted upon the studs f on the frame and having At the front of the ratchet-- their other arms engaging notches (V in the slide-bars (Z. Any of these bell-crank levers f may be removed at will, and by the use of these I can connect any horizontal bar (1 with any vertical counter-bar e, and thus connect any horizontal series of keys with any groupcounter.

It is evident that the sliding movement of a bar (Z will rock the bell-crank lever f connected with it and cause the connected counter-bar c to be raised and through the pawl 7L rotate the ratchet-wheel of that counter one tooth.

The number of times which any single hori- Zontal bar d or, in fact, the number of times which any bar (I, connected with any single group-counter, may be operated, and therefore the number of keys in the series represented by those bars which maybe operated, is determined by the position of the stop h of that counter, which when it brings up against the fixed stop 71 on the frame prevents further movement of the groupcounter and also prevents further operation of any of the keys connected with that group counter.

A suitable back pawl h is provided to prevent retrograde movement of the ratchet wheel 72/2.

The resetting-shaft h is provided with an arm 7L Fig. 1, which engages one arm of a bell-crank lever h pivoted at 7LT), and has its other arm 7t engaging the horizontallymoving bar h connected at each group counter with a pin 7: on a cam-plate 7L loosely journaled upon the hub ]t7 of the counter-actuator, and which when rotated by movement of the resetting-shaft operates to lift both pawls from engagement with the ratchet-wheel 7L2 and permit the weight It at the back of the machine to return the said ratchet-wheel to its normal starting position in readiness for a new voter.

lVhen any single horizontal series of keys is to be operated entirely by itself independent of any grouping device, its sliding bar (Z is locked by devices at and m upon operation of one key to prevent subsequent operation of any other of the keys in the same series; but when any two or more horizontal series of keys are grouped together to enable a large number of candidates to receive votes for the same office, as in the instance referred to, their sliding bars (Z must be permitted to re turn after each operation of key to their normal positions in order that the voter, if he so chooses, may cast his second or third vote for another candidate whose name appears in the same horizontal series, and therefore when any two or more series are grouped together-that is, connected with any of the grouping-counters the levers m for those horizontal series are temporarily removed and the group-counter ll relied upon to limit or fix the whole number of keys operated.

Referring now to Fig. 1, I have provided eachlvertical series of individual-registering IIO keys with a straight-ticket key b, as in my previous application, these straight -ticket keys when operated registering at a single movement one vote for all the candidates represented by all the keys in the same vertical series beneath it, but independentz'. 6. ,without operation0f said other keys.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the shanks b of the straight-ticket keys I) are provided at their inner ends with lugs or shoulders b which engage depending arms of the bellcrank levers Z2 pivoted upon a horizontal shaft 6 and having their other arms connected at Z1 with the vertically-movable bars I), which depend back of the counter-actuators, (see Fig. 2,) one such bar for each vertical series of counters, and are provided with pins Z1 beneath the several actuators in the adjacent series, whereby operation of any straight-ticket key will operate to lift the vertically-movable bar b, connected therewith, and cause its several pins Z7 to simultaneously act upon and raise the actuators of all the counters in that vertical series, thereby simultaneously registering one vote for all the candidates represented by those counters and by the vertical series of individual-keys beneath the straight ticket key operated. The shanks I) of the straight-ticket keys b are also provided with other lugs or shoulders 11 which upon operation of the keys act upon the depending arms 1)", fast on a horizontal shaft 1), journaled in suitable bearings in the frame and provided at the right end of the machine in Fig. 2 with the arms Zflflwhich curve upwardly and over to the tops of the several group-counters, (see Fig. 3,) the pulleys h of the several group-counters being provided with notches Z1 which in the normal position of the machine before any votes are cast are in position directly beneath these curved arms.

If any individual-key connected with a grouping device has been operated, that grouping device will have been moved one notch of its ratchet-wheel, thereby carrying the notch Z9 referred to out of register with the overhanging arm I), so that it is afterward impossible to operate any of the straightticket keys, because the overhanging arm above the counter operated will upon attempted movement of the straight ticket shaft Z2 contact with the periphery of the pulley 72, of that group-counter.

If. none of the individual-keys have been operated, then any straight-ticket key may be operated, the several overhanging arms h descending into the notches b of the group-counters.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be understood that the horizontal slide-bar d for the horizontal series of straight-ticket keys has no spring to return it after each operation.

Referring to Fig. 15, showing two of the straight-ticket keys, each key is provided with a bevel-lug b at one side and at its opposite side with an additional square-faced lug 12 Its square lug 6 first passes through the notch in the slide-bar cl and immediately thereafter the bevel-lug b acts upon andthrows the said slide-bar to the left behind the lug 11 to prevent return of the key operated to its normal position, thereby holding its separator c in its elevated position, separating the interlocking devices a and preventing subsequent operation of any other key in the machine.

To prevent operation of any straight-ticket key after operation of any individual-key not included in any group, I have provided a vertically-sliding bar 19 (see Fig. 1,) jointed at its upper end to an arm ZJ fast on the straight-ticket shaft Z9 and provided with a series of pins 1), arranged,respectively,below and out of the path of movement of the several horizontal slide-bars d.

It is impossible to operate a straight-ticket key without depressing the slide-bar 11 and when any slide-bar d has been moved to the left by operation of any single individualkey it will at once strike the upper end m of the lever m in its abnormal position into which it was moved by previous movement of the said slide-bar and in which it is held by the weighted lever m, so that movement of the said slide-bar Z9 and of any of the straightticket keys is prevented. It will thus be seen that the interlocking devices 0 prevent simultaneous operation of any two keys of the machine, that the operation of any single individual key prevents subsequent operation of any straight-ticket key by reason of the movement of one of the levers "m beneath a pin on the Verticalslide-rod 11 and that operation of any straight-ticket key, it remaining in its inmost position with its separator in position separating the locking devices, prevents subsequent operation of any individual-key, so that the keys of the entire machine are properly interlocked to effectually prevent any repeating or illegal voting' Any straight-ticket key when operated and held in its inmost position is returned to its normal position when the machine is reset by means of a small bell-crank lever m, Fig. 1, pivoted at m and adapted to be moved by one of the pins m on the rod m connected with and moved by the resetting-shaft, said lever m when moved acting to positively return the slide-bar d of the horizontal straightticket series to its normal position, releasing the key operated and permitting it under the action of the weight of the gravity-bar 0 to be returned to its normal position.

Referringnowto Figs. 2, 5, and 6, I will proceed to describe the particular independent- Voting mechanism which I have herein provided.

Referring particularly to Fig. 5, w is the independent-voting key, it being constructed and operating precisely as the other keys of the machine and provided with its verticallymovable separator 0 cooperating with the interlocking devices as the other keys, which renders it impossible to simultaneously operate it and any of the other keys and impossible to operate it after operation of any straight-ticket key. Vhile I have herein shown this independent-voting key as in the same horizontal series with the straight-ticket keys, it is not, however, connected in any manner with the horizontal slide-bar d of the straight-ticket series, nor is it in any wise connected with the straight-ticket mechanism. Upon this independent key in I have mounted an inclined receiver in, provided with a suitable slot 10 for the reception of the independent ballot, a pair of springs 10 holding the ballot frictionally in position when deposited in the receiver. Immediately over this inclined receiver is a table 10 provided with openings for the reception of the ejector-arms 20 fast on a shaft 20 j ournaled in suitable bearings in the frame and connected by a link 10 with an arm 10 on the resetting-shaft 7F of the machine. The voter having cast his votes by means of the individual-registering keys for such candidates as are represented by said keys wishing to vote for candidates whose names do not appear at the face of the machine writes the names of such irregular or independent candidates upon a proper ballot provided for him and deposits said ballot in the inclined receiver w. He then operates the independent-registering key w and pushes the receiver inwardly beneath the table @0 which prevents subsequent access to the receiver for tampering with the ballot, such movement of the independent-key raising its separator between two of the interlocking devices. The key remains locked in position with its receiver concealed beneath the table 10 by means of a lug 20 on the under side of the key and shown in dotted lines, Fig. 5, which passes over an inturned arm 011 the pivoted lever 10 which, acted upon by a spring 10 springs upwardly in front of the lug and holds the key in its inmost position. When the voter leaves the booth and the resettingshaft is operated in suitable manner-as, for instance, such as shown in my said application-the ejector-arms 20 are depressed, they engaging and positively ejecting from the receivcr the ballot placed therein, such ballot being deposited in a suitable receptacle provided for it below. In the downward movement of the ejector after the ballot has been ejected from the receiver a lug w on one of the ejeetor-arms strikes the leverw and depresses the same to release the key w and permit the latter to be returned to its normal position by a spring w, attached to its separator.

It is necessary to provide some means of informing the persons who count the ballots of the number of votes which any voter has regularly east through the keys of the machine before usiug the independent-voting device in order that it may be known that he does not vote for the entire number of candidates allowed him and then vote for additional candidates through the medium of the independent device. To accomplish this, I have provided a number-indicating device, shown as a type-wheel Z, pivoted at Z in a pair of arms Z in turn pivoted at Z and extended at Z, (shown in the broken portion of Fig 5,) bracketed thereto and at their lower ends contacting with suitable adjustable stops Z, springs Z acting to draw the said lower ends Z to the right, Fig. 5, to throw the upper ends and the type-wheel to the left, Fig. 5. The levers Z carry a suitably-arranged type-ribb0111 which stands in front of the type upon the wheel. The type-wheel is rotated by means of a pawl Z pivoted upon a suitable pawl-carrier I, which is provided with a pin Z shown in dotted lines, Fig. 5, as entering the forked end of an arm Z fast on the shaft 0 to which the gravity-bar e is attached. IVhenever an individual-registering key is operated, the gravity-bar is raised, as described, causing its arm Z to be depressed, and thereby through the pawl Z rotate the numbering-wheel one tooth or number, and thus each operation of an individual-key feeds the numbering-wheel one number or tooth, so that the number of keys operated is always indicated by the particular type which is fed into position facing the independent ballot in the independent-ballot receiver. Then the voter subsequently pushes in the independent-key w to deposit an independent ballot, the ballot in the receiver moved by the key is by movement of the key pushed against the type of the type-wheel brought into position by previous operation of the registering-keys, which type impresses upon the independent ballot a number to show to the person counting the ballots how many votes the voter had cast before availing himself of the independent ballot. Thus if any voter is permitted to vote for twelve different candidates and votes for nine he is entitled to place the names of three candidates upon an independent ballot and deposit it, as described, the figure 9, however, being impressed upon thatballot by the number-indicating mechanism described to show to the personcounting the ballots that he has, all told, cast only the number of votes allowed him. Having cast his nine votes by means of the registering-keys, should he attempt to cast four or more upon the independent bal lot the figure 9, appearing upon the ballot, together with the four or more names, will show to the person counting the ballots that the voter has cast more votes than was allowed him, and his independent ballot is cast aside.

Instead of indicating upon the independent ballot the number of votes previously cast by the voter through the registerin -keys, I may, by a simple reversal of the order of the figures, print upon the independent ballot a figure showing the number of ballots which he may yet east through the independent device if he so desires, the mechanism being precisely the same, requiring simply the reversal of the order in which the type are arranged upon the type-wheel.

When the gravity-bar 0 drops after the operation of any single key, it automatically returns the pawl Z to its position preparatory to feeding the type-wheel a second step, and when the independent ballot is pressed against the printing wheel the latter, by means of the pivot Z and the spring Z yields in front of the moving ballot in order that a firmfyet yielding, impression may be made. A back pawl Z is provided to prevent retrograde movement of the type-wheel.

lo restore the number-indicating mechanism to its normal position in readiness for a new voter, I have provided a cam-plate Z (shown separately in Fig. 14,) which when rotated lifts both the pawls Z and Z out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel of the device. This disengaging-cam Z is connected by a link Z with one of the ejector-arms so that movement of the resetting-shaft acts through the ejector-arms to rotate the disengaging-cam Z sufficiently to disengage the pawls and permits the spring 1, acting through a cord 1, wound upon a pulley Z on the type-wheel shaft, to return the typewheel to its normal position ,where it is stopped by a stop P coming into contact with one of the levers Z It is desirable that some means be provided for indicating to the voter that his votes have been properly cast by his operation of the various keys and also to indicate to him at any time the particular candidate for whom he has already voted, to prevent his becoming confused. For this purpose I have provided adjacent the several keys of the machine suitable visual indicators 8 (shown in Fig. 16,) as suitably-shaped plates 8 on the ends of suitable arms fast on shafts s journaled in suitable bearings in the machineframe, said shafts within the machine being provided with suitable locking arms .9 adapted to be engaged by suitable shoulders s on levers s suitably pivoted at s, the said levers s acting as pawls or looking devices cooperating with the arms 8 to hold the indicators s normally in their vertical positions concealed behind suitable shields 3, secured to the face-plate of the machine. \Vhen these levers s are raised, the arms 8' are released, and the indicators 3 underthe action of gravity drop into their horizontal exposed positions, as shown at 25, Fig. 1. In the present instance of my invention the levers s at their free ends rest upon the tops of the several shanks of the registering-keys, said shanks being provided, as shown, with suitable inclined lugs which when the respective keys are pushed in raise the levers 8 restin g upon the said keys, and thereby release the corresponding indicators, which drop and in dicate to the voter that he has registered the votes corresponding to the keys operated.

a series of pins 8 projecting beneath the ends of the levers s", so that when the resetting-shaft is rotated to reset the machine these rods 5 are raised to thereby, through. their pins .9 turn the indicators into their vertical concealed positions, where they are caught and locked by the locking-levers 8 So far as known to me I am the first to provide in a voting-machine suitable interlocking mechanism to prevent simultaneous operation of any two or more keys in the same or different series, whether the same are connected in groups or operated each series independently of the others, and I am also the first, so far as known to me, to employ in a voting-machine a single interlocking mechanism capable of being connected with and to control the operation of all the keys in any one or more series. So far as known to me I am also the first to provide the several keys in a voting-machine with visual indicating devices adapted to be moved by operation of their respective registering-keys to indicate to the voter that he has cast his vote or has so operated the key as to register a vote and to indicate to the voter the particular candidates for whom he has voted.

So far as known to me I am the first'to use a single independent-voting device for the entire machine and to provide inconnection therewith mechanism to indicate upon any independent ballot cast the number of candidates for whom any voter is entitled to cast his vote upon said independent ballot,whether such number is indicated by the number of votes previously cast or by the number remaining to be cast, it he so desires. I therefore consider myself entitled to claim the above features in a voting-machine broadly and with the other features of my invention hereinbefore specifically described without limitation as to constructional arrangements and details.

I claim 1. In a voting-machine two or more series of registering-keys,arranged in different lines and comprising all the registering-keys in the machine,a single series of interlocking devices and separators connected respectively with and actuated by the said keys to separate said interlocking devices to prevent simultaneous operation of the separators of any two or more IIO for the respective keys, a resetting mechanism, and means to prevent a plurality of operations of said counters by their keys between any two succeeding operations of said resettin mechanism, substantially as described.

52. Inavoting-machine; apluralityof series of registering-keys; a slide-bar for each of said series, the same adapted to be reciprocated by a full inward and return movement of any one of the said keys in each series; a locking device cooperating with and to prevent successive reciproeations of any one of said slide-bars between successive operations of the resetting mechanism, means to prevent simultaneous operation of two or more slidebars and the resetting mechanism connected with and to release the locking device, substantially as described.

3. In a voting-machine 3 a series of registering-keys 3 one or more straight-ticket keys operable without operation of said registeringkeys; a slidebar adapted to be moved by operation of any of the registering-keys; a looking device therefor; a cooperating holding device for the said locking device; and means cooperating with said locking and holding devices to prevent operation of the said straightticket keys subsequent to operation of any of said registering-keys, and a resetting mechanism, substantially as described.

a. In a voting-machine, two or more series of registering-keys,one or more straight-ticket keys, a slide-bar for each series of registeringkeys adapted to be moved by operation of any of the registering-keys in its respective series, locking devices for the respective bars, coopcrating holding devices and means cooperating with said locking and holding devices to prevent operation of a straight-ticket key subsequent to operation of any registering-key, and a resetting mechanism, substantially as described.

5. In a voting-machine, the combination with a plurality of registering-keys and separate counters for said keys, of a visual indicater for and adapted to be moved by operation of each of said keys to indicate proper operative movementof the said keys and also to indicate to the voter, at any time, the candidate for whom he has voted, substantially as described.

6. In a votingmachine, the combination with one or more registering-keys separate counters for said keys, visual indicators for the respective registering-keys and adapted to be moved by operation of the said keys to indicate to the voter, at a glance, the particular candidate for Whom he has voted, and a resetting mechanism connected with and adapted on operation to return said visual indicators to their original positions, substantially as described.

'7. In a voting-machine, the combination with one or more scriesof registering-keys, of an indcpendent-voting device containing an independent-ballot receiver; a number-indieating device and means operated by movement of the registering key or keys to cause movement of the said number-indicating device to indicate the number of candidates for whom the voter is entitled to cast his vote by means of said independent ballot, substantially as described.

8. In a voting-machine, the combination with one or more series of registering-keys,

of an independent-voting device containing a ballot-receiver, a printing device operated by movement of the said registering-keys, and means to impart to the said printing device and ballot-receivcr a relative movement to cause the former to print upon the independent ballot in the said receiver a character indicating the number of independent votes any voter is entitled to cast, substair tially as described.

9. In a voting-machine, the combination with two or more series of registering-keys, said series being arranged and operating in different planes, of a single movable bar, connecting devices interposed between the same and the respective keys whereby operation of any single key acts to move said bar from normal into abnormal position, said bar by its return to normal position acting to return said key to its normal position, whereby said bar is successively moved by successive op eration of the keys from normal into abnormal position and each time acts to return the key which moved it, to its normal position, substantially as described.

10. In a voting-machine, the combination with a series of registering-keys and a movable bar adapted to be moved from normal into abnormal position by any one of a plu rality of said keys, an independent-voting device, a number-indicating device cooperating therewith, and connections between said movable bar and number-indicating device wl1ercby successive movements of the said bar automaticaliy move said number-indicating de-= vice into position to indicate upon the ballot .the number of independent votes previously registered by any single voter, substantially as described.

11. In a voting-machine, two or more series of registering-keys, counters therefor, means to automatically return said keys to their nor mal positions after each operation; a single interlocking mechanism to prevent simulta neous operation of any two or more keys in the same or diiferent series, a straight-ticket key also cooperating with said interlocking mechanism and interlocked thereby with all the series of registering-keys, and adapted when operated to remain in the position into which it is moved, to thereby, through said interlocking mechanism, prevent subsequent operation of the remaining registering-keys, and a resetting device to operate, substam tially as described.

12. In a votingnnachine, the combination with a plurality of registering-keys and sep arate counters for said keys, of a normally concealed visual indicator, and means oper- In testimony whereof I have signed my ated by movement of said keys to expose the name to this specification in the presence of respective indicators to indicate, visually, two subscribing Witnesses. proper operative movement of said keys, and

also to indicate to the Voter at any time the Witnesses: candidate or candidates for whom he has voted, substantially as described.

ALBERT SNOECK.

FREDERICK L. EMERY, THOMAS J. DRUMMOND. 

